UPDATE: In a powerful address at the UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education ceremony in Beijing on September 20, 2025, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and UNESCO special envoy, called for urgent action to empower women globally through science education. This milestone event marked the 10th anniversary of the prestigious award, celebrating transformative educational initiatives from around the world.
The ceremony highlighted the profound impact of science education in the lives of young women. In the face of an AI-driven era, Peng emphasized the necessity of equipping women with technological skills and innovative capacities. “We must place greater emphasis on women’s science education,” she declared, urging that women should be prepared to navigate the technological revolution and lead fulfilling lives.
The impact of these educational initiatives is staggering. In rural Uganda, programs like the Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS) support nearly 300,000 students annually, providing safe, gender-responsive campuses. Similarly, the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) in Zambia has empowered over 617,000 young women since its inception in 2001, helping them to overcome barriers to secondary education and become role models in their communities.
At the ceremony, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, presented awards to outstanding projects from Kenya and Lebanon, recognizing their exceptional contributions to girls’ education. “These are the stories that inspire us,” Azoulay stated, underscoring the significance of supporting women’s education worldwide.
China’s commitment to advancing women’s education was also showcased. By 2024, official data revealed that girls comprised 47.3% of kindergarten students, 46.98% in nine-year compulsory education, and 49.3% in high school. Moreover, women accounted for 50.76% of higher education enrollments, a remarkable increase since 1995.
In support of this vision, the China Women’s Development Foundation launched the “Exploring the Future” program in 2018, allowing over 8,200 students to explore various fields from mechanical engineering to biophysics, connecting classroom learning with practical applications.
As the world faces rapid technological changes, Peng’s message resonates more than ever. “We look forward to deepening cooperation with UNESCO and relevant parties to strengthen capacity-building in women’s science education,” she affirmed, highlighting China’s ongoing dedication to gender equality and educational advancement.
This ceremony not only celebrates past achievements but also sets the stage for future initiatives aimed at empowering women globally. As communities worldwide witness the transformative power of education, the urgent call for investment in women’s science education has never been clearer.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these initiatives will shape the future of girls’ education and empowerment across the globe.
